The $245,000 K5 Blazer Looks Incredible—But It's Not Perfect

ECD Automotive Design is no stranger to expensive automotive projects. The Florida-based shop has built custom versions of vehicles ranging from the Land Rover Defender and Jaguar E-Type to the Ford Mustang. Now it has turned its attention to one of America's most recognizable vintage SUVs: the Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

The first completed K5 Blazer build was immediately purchased by a longtime ECD customer for $245,000. That's serious money for a classic SUV, especially one based on a model that originally sold for a fraction of that price.

A New Take on an Old Classic

ECD has traditionally been best known for its work on British off-roaders, but the company has expanded its portfolio with this early-1970s Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

The exterior combines dark olive green with a matte-white center stripe. A wood accent runs along the lower edge of the body, while the removable hardtop is finished in the same matte white. The hardtop isn't shown in the published photos, but it is included with the vehicle.

Getting into the lifted Blazer should be easier thanks to powered running boards. The extra ground clearance comes from a 2.5-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BFGoodrich tires mounted on 17-inch Chevrolet Scottsdale wheels.

Under the hood sits a modern 6.0-liter V8 with an orange-painted block and black Chevrolet lettering on the valve covers. ECD hasn't disclosed the engine's output, but the V8 is paired with an automatic transmission operated by a column-mounted shifter.

The braking system has also been upgraded with four-wheel disc brakes.

The Problem With the Panel Gaps

For a vehicle costing $245,000, however, the bodywork has attracted some unwanted attention.

Photos of the finished Blazer show noticeably uneven panel gaps around the doors and hood. In some areas, the gaps appear wider and less consistent than you might expect from a carefully restored classic, even considering that the original K5 Blazer was built more than five decades ago.

ECD acknowledges that the fitment isn't where it should be.

"The gaps will be corrected; we're already using a different alignment method," the company said.

That's at least encouraging news for future customers. Photos of the next Blazer, which is scheduled for completion toward the end of the year, appear to show significantly cleaner panel alignment.

ECD also plans to add a four- or six-point roll cage to the interior of that vehicle.

Classic Looks, Modern Comfort

Inside, the original-style seats are covered in green Buffalo vinyl with a houndstooth pattern. The front seats feature both heating and ventilation, while the rear seats get heating only.

The dashboard is wrapped in leather and combines modern equipment with retro styling. The gauges use green markings and orange needles against black faces, giving the cabin a period-correct appearance without sacrificing modern functionality.

Some of the less obvious upgrades include a Vintage Air climate-control system, a Retrosound stereo, power windows and automatic headlights.

The result is essentially what the restomod market is all about: classic American styling combined with modern mechanical and comfort upgrades.

At $245,000, this K5 Blazer is certainly not a rational purchase. There are plenty of new luxury vehicles available for similar money, and buyers could also choose several highly capable full-size SUVs for far less.

But ECD isn't really selling transportation. It's selling exclusivity, nostalgia and a highly personalized piece of American automotive history.

The bigger question is whether buyers paying nearly a quarter of a million dollars are willing to overlook rough edges during the build process. ECD says the panel-fit issue is already being addressed, but on a vehicle at this price, customers understandably expect those details to be right the first time.